Tuesday, June 12, 2018

EVERY SINGLE SECRET by author, EMILY CARPENTER

Emotionally guarded Daphne Amos always believed she’d found a kindred spirit in her fiancĂ©, Heath. Both very private people, they’ve kept their pasts hidden from the world, and each other, until Heath’s escalating nightmares begin to put an undeniable strain on their relationship. Determined to give their impending marriage the best chance of succeeding, Heath insists that Daphne join him on a seven-day retreat with Dr. Matthew Cerny, a psychologist celebrated for getting to the root of repressed memories. Daphne reluctantly agrees—even though the past is the last place she wants to go.


The retreat’s isolated and forbidding location increases her unease, as do the doctor’s rules: they must relinquish their keys and phones, they’ll be monitored at all hours by hidden cameras, and they’re never to socialize with the other guests.
One sleepless night, Daphne decides to leave her room…and only then does she realize that the institute is not at all what it seems—and that whatever’s crying out from Heath’s past isn’t meant to be heard. It’s meant to be silenced.

Every Single Secret takes you on a journey into a dark, surreal world…A true psychological thriller that will leave you breathless.” —Wendy Walker, bestselling author of All Is Not Forgottenand Emma in the Night


“Creepy, twisty, and masterfully crafted. Emily Carpenter nailed the dark and disturbing characters that make up this rich and provocative gothic thriller. Every Single Secret is one of my favorite reads so far this year. I can’t recommend it enough.” —Kerry Lonsdale, Amazon Charts and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of the Everything Series

“Emily Carpenter begins Every Single Secret on a creepy premise: couples therapy in a remote mountain resort, where every room has eyes—hidden cameras watching every move. Buckle up because this is one hell of a ride, a rocket-paced, edge-of-your-seat story you’ll want to devour in one sitting. A knockout, easily one of my favorite books of the year.” —Kimberly Belle, bestselling author of The Marriage Lie

“A complex, riveting novel of psychological suspense that holds a mirror to the darkest human impulses. A must-read.” —A. J. Banner, USA Today bestselling author of The Twilight Wife

“Emily Carpenter has once again crafted a story full of complicated characters who will keep you guessing until the last page. Every Single Secret deftly explores the risks of hiding from our pasts and the desperation—and danger—of falling blindly into love. A wild, tense ride.” —Victoria Helen Stone, #1 Amazon bestselling author of Evelyn, After

Q & A with Emily ~ 

What are some things you enjoy when not writing?

I’m an avid TV watcher—I think some of the best writing is being done on TV right now, and I feel like watching TV has become a learning experience in addition to entertainment these days. Recently, I’ve been inhaling SHETLAND, based on Ann Cleeves’ books. Each episode is a complex mystery set in a location that feels really fresh and exotic. Plus, there’s a cute detective. Jimmy Perez, hey!

Can you tell us about your challenges in getting your first book published?

The main challenge for me was being resolute and relentless in revising the book (BURYING THE HONEYSUCKLE GIRLS), while keeping myself from giving up. That book really went through many stages and transformations—from a magical realism-based story to something more realistic and grounded, and my agent was incredibly instrumental in guiding it and encouraging me to explore new options. She also kept the faith in such a way that I never lost mine, for which I will forever be indebted to her.
  
How do you market your work?

Marketing is the hardest part of my job, I’ll be honest. It just feels awkward sometimes. I’ve seen lots of people do it in ways I’m not all that excited about. For me, I like the personal approach, and I really try to connect with readers in authentic ways. I love book clubs because they provide a face-to-face real-time way to interact—and have fun—with readers. Social media can sometimes feel icky when you’re promoting your book 24/7, and I’d rather just interact with people about real things, funny things I observe about life or whatever, instead of shouting about my books. On Facebook, I always end up talking about other authors I love or books I’m interested in reading, and that’s really important to me.

What are you working on now?

My next book, which is a bit of a departure from the previous ones. It’s less of a Southern Gothic slow-burn and more of a balls-to-the-wall adventure thriller. (Can I say that?) It’s about a mother and teenage daughter who realize someone has sabotaged the financial app the mother created, and they have to use their smarts and the technology to find their way back to each other. I’ve actually loved writing it. It’s got more action than anything I’ve written yet, not to mention two female characters who are smart, resourceful and super-badass.

Is anything in your book based on real-life experiences?

Not one bit! That’s the best part of writing. You can invent whole new worlds.

Do you have a favorite chapter or scene?

In EVERY SINGLE SECRET, I really loved writing about Daphne’s experiences in the group home, at the girls' ranch. I was so entranced by the girls she got thrown in to live with—the Super Tramps. Every time I would wrap up a section about them, I couldn’t wait to revisit their story. Omega, especially, was a character I ended up really loving—and also wondering about. She was fascinating and also tragic, and her backstory was so interesting to me, although I didn’t explore it in the book.

Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?

Get good advice from people who will be real with you. How do you need to improve? What should you be doing differently in your writing? It’s sometimes tough to swallow—but steel yourself and ask really wise, experienced people what your writing lacks. In the end, you’ll be humbled, but glad you listened.

What are the downfalls of your writing career? The best parts?

There are no bad parts, truly. It’s just such fun to write books that people read and enjoy.

Place you’d like to travel?

I’m planning a trip to the UK to visit the homeplaces and haunts of all my literary heroes. It’s literally the nerdiest trip anyone has ever planned. Stay tuned.  

Is there anything you’d like to say to your readers and fans?

Thank you. It’s because of you that I can write books. It really touches me that you are willing to join me in the lives of these characters. I wish I could hug you all!

To connect with Emily:

Facebook: Facebook.com/ecarpenterauthor
Twitter: @EmilyDCarpenter





Tuesday, June 5, 2018

More BOOK PROMOTERS featured for you book lovers!

I've been doing this blog for three years now, featuring authors and their books, hoping to spread some book love to readers who ask me for recommendations of books I think they'd enjoy. And while I will continue to promote other authors and books, there is a group of people who rarely get the recognition they deserve: 

BOOK PROMOTERS!!!



Periodically, I will be featuring groups of people who do everything but shout from the rooftops (and really, who does that?) about books. ~ This is the second one so if you missed the first, scroll back to the May 6th post.

Obviously, you love books or you wouldn't be at this site! Make sure to check out these book promoters social media links and follow them. You'll learn about great books, and sometimes, even get in on book giveaways!
Who doesn't like those? :)
***
Baer Books (Barbara Khan)
"I started my blog January 15, 2014, and started a Facebook group a few months later. We now have more than 1,100 Baer Cubs as our members are known. Baer was my mom’s maiden name and she is the reason I am such an avid reader. On the blog, I focus on the genres I read the most, mystery, psych-thriller, historical fiction, women’s fiction, literary fiction and some non-fiction. About the only thing I don’t read is sci-fi, horror, or anything overtly romance. Even though I work full time as a travel advisor, I still managed to read about 80 books last year. One of the features I like to do on the blog is called “Pack Your Bag”, where I ask authors all about their travel (vacations and for research), what are their “must haves” in their suitcase, and favorite or worst trip ever. 

I am in the top 1% of reviewers on Goodreads which was like winning an Oscar to me, when I found out! I love how social media has brought authors and readers together. Back in the old days it seemed the author was behind this terribly, impenetrable wall, put there by the publishers. If you liked a book or author, you would have to send a letter c/o the publisher. Now I often find myself sending a Facebook message or posting on the author’s page to tell them 
how much I enjoyed their books. It just feels like we are one big book community."
Links to connect with Baer Books~

https://baerbooks.blogspot.com/ 
My Twitter and Instagram handle is @leftyonkey (I'm not as active there.)
***

Good Book Fairy: (Lauren Margolin)
"For years, people would ask me what to read with certain specifications such as, “I want to get my mom a book for Mother’s Day that my dad will enjoy reading as well.” or “I need a book with nothing sad or too suspenseful in it.” I always had an answer at the tip of my tongue so I started a blog in 2012 to share my suggestions, reviews and all things bookish. 

I pride myself on reviewing books with a keen eye for pacing, plot, use of language, execution and story. I praise and critique. Unlike a lot of bloggers, I give 5 stars sparingly and do not summarize the plot. Because of this, I always remind my readers that anything rated a 3.5 or above is absolutely worth reading! 

My byline is Because Life’s Too Short To Read Bad Books. I want my followers to trust me and know why I liked, loved or adored a novel. That gives them the opportunity to make an educated decision as to whether they should read a particular book. 

I love what I do. I love talking with other bloggers, authors, publishers and editors. We all share the same passion!  My monthly newsletter contains my monthly reviews, events and other fun info. You can sign up on my website."
Links to connect with Good Book Fairy:

***

Kate Rock Lit Chick (Kate Rock)
"Always an avid reader who escaped in books since early childhood I retired at age 45 due to Lupus and Chronic illness from a long career in Nursing and Surgery Center Administration. I found the book tribe community to be very supportive and I was able to turn my passion into my current bliss of reading, reviewing, promoting authors and now some writing. 


I love recommending books and seeing readers find new authors they love. I feel blessed to be part of the reader/writer community."

Kate Rock ~ Inspired writer • Author Assistant • PR for Books and authors • Avid Reader and book reviewer.

Links to connect with KateRockLitChick:

 https://linktr.ee/katerocklitchick

Www.facebook.com/katerock.litchick
Www.instagram.com/katerocklitchik
Www.twitter.com/katerocklitchik 

***

TRAVELING WITH T (Tamara Welch)
Tamara's motto is "Reading my way through life- one juicy book at a time."

She loves Instagram, crab cakes, moscato & binge watching old episodes of Designing Women. Perfect day: Reading by the pool with a glass of sweet iced tea.


Links to connect with Traveling With T:

Blog: www.travelingwitht.com,

FB: www.facebook.com/TravelingWithT,
Instagram: www.instagram.com/rockstar1023,
Twitter: www.twitter.com/rockstar1023,
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/rockstar1023
***


Books & Wine are Lovely (Bethany Clark)
Bethany Clark hosts “Books and Wine are Lovely” Blog and “One Book At A Time” Facebook page, which is home to over 1,100 bookish friends (page followers who love all things book related!)

"I have many types of posts on my blogs – author written pieces, giveaways, page or link shares I have seen on other pages I believe my followers with love and reviews I personally write. 

Anyone who knows me, knows I have an undying passion for all things books – from the books themselves, bookish items I buy to decorate with, meeting new book friends and besties, just to name a few!"
Links to connect with Bethany's social media: